HOW TO APPLY
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter along with salary expectations, by email to [email protected]. Please include "Research Specialist and Proposal Writer " in the subject line. Global Planning Solutions encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Applicants who do not apply in the above manner will not be considered.
A BIT ABOUT US
Global Planning Solutions, formerly known as Venue West Conference Services, was founded in 1970 and has remained a cornerstone of the Canadian conference and association industry ever since. We are one of only five companies in Canada – and fewer than 200 worldwide – certified by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) to manage international congresses. Today, we continue to partner with clients across Canada and around the globe, delivering expert management for conferences, associations, and events of all sizes.
THE ROLE
Global Planning Solutions is seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Research Specialist and Proposal Writer to support our business development and conference bid initiatives. This role focuses on researching international conference opportunities, global associations, and industry trends, while developing compelling proposals, presentations, and bid documents that help secure major national and international conferences.
Working closely with our leadership team, the successful candidate will identify prospective clients and conference opportunities, research conference rotation cycles and potential hosts, and support the development of competitive bids and proposals for national and international associations.
This is not a traditional sales support role. We are looking for someone who excels at research, market intelligence, and transforming complex information into clear, persuasive, and professionally written proposals and presentations. The ideal candidate is analytical, intellectually curious, and highly detail-oriented.
What You Bring / Must Haves
- Exceptional research, analytical, and investigative skills with the ability to identify, validate, and connect information, trends, and opportunities
- Strong proposal writing, editing, and communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, compelling, and persuasive content
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously
- Naturally curious with a genuine interest in research, industries, associations, and market intelligence
- Self-starter who is comfortable working independently and collaboratively
- Strong understanding of business writing, proposals, and professional communications
- Professional communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to identify patterns, opportunities, and strategic connections across industries and organizations
- Experience in conferences, associations, business development, tourism, research, consulting, marketing, or strategic communications is considered an asset
- Familiarity with international conferences, association structures, or conference bid development is considered an asset
THE DETAILS
- Write and edit persuasive, well-structured proposals and business development materials
- Research international associations, conferences, industries, potential clients, and emerging business opportunities through online sources, industry platforms, bid portals, and association channels
- Monitor conference rotation cycles, bid timelines, future host destinations, search RFP opportunities, and industry trends to identify strategic business opportunities
- Monitor industry websites, association channels, bid portals, and RFP opportunities
- Research association leadership, governance structures, committees, decision-making processes, and potential local hosts and organizational champions
- Develop strategic briefing documents, background research, opportunity assessments, and prospect profiles, including organizational history and strategic priorities
- Write, edit, and format compelling proposals, bid documents, presentations, and other business development materials
- Translate complex research and market intelligence into clear, persuasive, and commercially focused content aligned with company positioning and client requirements
- Collaborate with leadership, internal teams, destinations, and industry partners to gather content, data, and insights that support growth initiatives and competitive conference bids
- Maintain opportunity tracking systems, bid calendars, proposal libraries, templates, and market intelligence databases while ensuring deadlines and submission requirements are met
- Research competitor activity, industry trends, and emerging sectors to support long-term business development and conference bid strategy
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- 3–5+ years of experience in research, proposal writing, bid development, marketing, associations, conferences, consulting, professional services, or a related field
- Exceptional English writing, editing, research, and communication skills; bilingualism (English/French) is considered a strong asset
- Experience developing proposals, presentations, RFP responses, strategic documents, business cases, or other business development materials
- Strong research and analytical capabilities, including experience conducting market, industry, stakeholder, organizational, or opportunity research
- Experience working with proposals, bids, business development teams, associations, conferences, destination organizations, tourism, healthcare, higher education, events, or related industries is considered an asset
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00-$60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Work from home
Flexible language requirement:
Experience:
- Proposal writing: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: Remote
